Recap

Dirty Reds Women make it two from two

By Pete Oliver

It wasn’t pretty, but the Goulburn Dirty Reds Women’s undefeated streak has extended to two games, following a scrappy 26-5 win over an under-strength Gungahlin Eagles.

The four tries to one win over one of the competition’s stronger outfits will give the Reds a boost heading into next week’s bye, and secure their place at the top of the ladder.

She was the first to cross the try line last week, and lock Kathryn Cudaj repeated the feat this week, claiming her first try of the day in only the third minute.

The Reds were over three minutes later when fullback Karly Lachlan strolled over out wide, before Cudaj bagged her second in the 15th minute with another barnstorming run.

A muddy field meant a wet ball, with handling suffering as a result throughout the first half. At half time, coach Rob Sheekey asked his charges to improve their body height and effort at the breakdown, with the Eagles constantly coming through to disrupt and steal the Reds’ ball.

Captain Ash Mewburn called for improved discipline, but begged for the Reds to channel their mongrel into the game.

The scrappy nature of the game continued into the second half, with both sides struggling to hold onto the wet ball on a muddy track. Replacement back Elly Hazelton scored the Reds’ final try of the game in the 32nd minute, converting her own try for a 26-0 lead.

Gungahlin were a player short for the match, but the numbers evened up during the second half when Hazelton found herself sitting in the naughty chair after receiving a yellow card for a no-arms tackle. The home side took advantage of the parity to cross for their only try of the game.

Following the game, Sheekey said the match was a scrappy affair, with the Reds unable to hold onto the ball consistently enough to create pressure.

“I thought we created plenty of scoring opportunities, but our handling was poor,” Sheekey said.

“However, a real positive was again our defence was sound. The only try came when we were down to nine players due to Elly’s yellow card.

“Today was a step up in class, with Eagles having played in the first grade competition last year, so the win when we weren’t at our best should give us plenty of confidence moving forward.”

In the 3-2-1 count, Bella Sheen again had an outstanding match, earning the three points. Kathryn Cudaj picked up two points for her two-try effort, while Chloe Waddell consistently punched above her weight to claim the one point.

The Reds’ next game will be back at Poidevin Oval on May 25 against the Uni-Norths Owls at 1pm.

Goulburn Dirty Reds Women 26 (Kathryn Cudaj 2, Karly Lachlan, Elly Hazelton tries, Ash Mewburn 2, Hazelton conversions) beat Gungahlin Eagles 5.